The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant James W. Davis (MCSN: 0-36394), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 24 February to 3 March 1945. Braving heavy hostile machine-gun, grenade, mortar and artillery fire, Second Lieutenant Davis proceeded from squad to squad to issue detailed orders for the reduction of Japanese pillboxes. Then personally leading his platoon in the assault on a fanatically defended hostile airfield, he participated in fierce hand-to-hand fighting which resulted in the seizure of the enemy strong point. By his inspiring leadership and indomitable fighting spirit, he contributed materially to his platoon’s success in seizing the objective. His courageous devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.